Yes, for a broader and stronger protection in the United Arab Emirates, we recommend registering your trademark in local characters.

If the trademark is registered only in its original version (Latin characters), the protection does not always properly protect its equivalent in the local language. This means that a third party could use or register the same trademark (or a similar one) in local characters.

In additional to the legal benefits, the registration and use of the trademark in local characters can also have commercial benefits. The public in the United Arab Emirates will recognize your brand more easily if they are able to read and correctly pronounce the mark.

Registering your trademark in its original version, as well as local transliteration/translation, will provide a greater protection from any possible infringements.

Is there a time frame for the trademark registration approval?

The average time frame for the registration approval is 10 months, if no objections or oppositions arise.

If I register my trademark in United Arab Emirates, do I have protection in other territories?

The territorial limit of registration is the United Arab Emirates comprising the seven emirates of:

Abu Dhabi

Ajman

Dubai

Fujairah

Ras al-Khaimah

Sharjah

Umm al-Quwain

Do I need to sign a Power of Attorney?

Yes, a power of attorney is required.

Are there any benefits from a pre-filing use of the trademark?

There is minimal benefit for pre-filing use since trademark rights are largely established through registration.

Will there be problems in case I don’t use my trademark after registration?

Attack on the ground of non-use is available.

What are the types of trademark that can be registered in United Arab Emirates?

words

names

sounds

devices

certain three-dimensional shapes

colours

motion

slogans

trade dress/get-up

holograms

collective marks

service marks

well-known marks

certification marks

What are the phases of application after a trademark has been filed in United Arab Emirates?

The order of the application process is as follows:

Examination of the following:

formalities

classification

clarity

descriptiveness

distinctiveness

deceptiveness

conflict with prior registration

Publication of the following application particulars:

mark

name of applicant

address of applicant

application number

application date

goods/services

priority claim information

representation of trademark

Registration

What type of trademark is not registrable?

The following are not registrable as trademarks:

marks contrary to moral standards or public order

generic terms

names, flags or symbols of states, nations, regions, or of international organizations (except with permission)

marks that conflict with Islamic principles or Shari'ah law

marks devoid of any distinguishing characteristic or feature

marks that function principally as geographic location names

symbols of the Red Crescent or the Red Cross and other similar symbols

names, flags or symbols of states, nations, regions, or of organizations/institutions except with its/their permission

marks representing or resembling symbols of a religious form

names, titles, portraits or emblems of another person, except with the prior consent of himself/his heirs

marks consisting of geographical names

marks that may mislead the public or that include false information

information relating to a rank of honour for which the applicant for registration cannot prove his eligibility

marks that are considered to be not more than translations of a famous mark or another previously registered mark

marks comprising local or foreign medals, coins or currency

marks the registration of which for certain categories of products or services will result in a reduction of the value of other products or services that are distinguished by this mark

marks owned by natural or corporate persons with whom business dealings are prohibited

marks that comprise the following words or terms:

“franchise”

“franchise holder”

“registered”

“registered design”

“copyright”

“imitation will be considered as a forgery”

or any similar words or terms

Does United Arab Emirates use the "Nice Classification" system?

The Nice Classification System is not used precisely in UAE but only as a general guide.

Does the Community Trademark apply for United Arab Emirates?

The European Union Trade Mark registration (formerly a Community Trade Mark Registration) is not effective in UAE.

Is there any possibility to claim priority in United Arab Emirates?

If the applicant's home country is a member of the Paris Convention

If the home application was filed within six months preceding the application in UAE

If the applicant's home country is a member of the World Trade Organization

What do I need to do to satisfy the use requirement?

A trademark must be used within five years. The law does not specify the amount of use required but it must occur in the United Arab Emirates.

Once my trademark has been registered, for how many years will be valid?

The initial term of a registration is 10 years calculated from the application date.

What will be the renewal date of my trademark?

The first renewal date of a registration is 10 years from the application filing date.

Is it legal to use my trademark even if it is not yet registered?

Use of an unregistered mark for any goods or services is legal. However, the unregistered mark must not offend provisions of the Trade Marks Law. Consult a trademark attorney or contact us for more information.